HRCP Slams Elders’ Plan to Expel Transgender People from Swabi District
In a shocking move, community elders in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have formed a committee to drive out transgender individuals from the area. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has hit back hard, calling this decision unconstitutional and a clear case of discrimination against a vulnerable group.
HRCP shared their strong statement on social media platform X, urging everyone to stand up for transgender rights in Pakistan. "Such actions are discriminatory and incite violence against an already marginalized community," they said. They stressed that no one in Pakistan can lose their right to live, work, or earn a living just because of their gender identity.
The commission called on provincial and district authorities to step in right away. "Protect the safety and dignity of transgender persons in Swabi and honor their rights under the Constitution and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018," HRCP demanded. This act, passed in 2018, guarantees equal rights and protection for transgender people across the country.
What Sparked This Controversy?
According to a Dawn report, the elders set up an 11-member committee on Saturday. The trigger? An incident on Wednesday at a music event in Swabi. Police tried to shut down the program, and some transgender performers and attendees allegedly used rude language toward the officers. Elders claim this shows why transgender people shouldn’t be in the district.
Maulana Samad, a committee member, told Dawn they want transgender individuals to leave peacefully and find jobs elsewhere. He believes their presence fuels music events that "negatively influence the youth." Another member, Yasir Khan, added that they’ll first ask people to go voluntarily. If not, they’ll rope in the district police to make it happen.
Transgender Community Fights Back
Transgender individuals aren’t staying silent. In a video message reported by Dawn, they hit out at the elders. "We’ve always respected local traditions and never spoken against anyone," they said. "But now we have to raise our voice." They refused to leave, warning elders not to take the law into their own hands.
The group pointed out that blaming them for young people attending events is unfair. "We’re fully aware of our constitutional rights," they declared. They even offered to stop performing if the government provides alternative jobs, showing they’re open to solutions but won’t back down on their rights.
This clash highlights ongoing struggles for transgender rights in Pakistan, where communities often face bias despite legal protections. HRCP’s quick response aims to rally support and ensure authorities act fast to prevent any harm in Swabi.
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